Starting in January, Maryville Children’s Healthcare Center will be able to care for additional medically-fragile children. State Senator John G. Mulroe (D-Chicago) sponsored legislation to allow the center to expand services in January of 2018 instead of June.

“I am thankful that we were able to pass legislation to enable Maryville to expand their services even sooner,” Mulroe said. “This legislative change wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Sister Catherine Ryan, advocates and constituents. Together, we are strengthening our community.”

House Bill 1059 changes the effective date of legislation to increase the number of children allowed to be treated at Maryville under the community-based health care center model from June 1, 2018 to Jan. 1, 2018. Maryville Children’s Healthcare Center supports children that depend on medical technology, such as ventilators. The center trains and assists parents to provide a smooth transition when a child returns home after being hospitalized.